The process of cleaning rugs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of rug being cleaned, the tools being used to clean it, the size of the rug, and the damage done to the rug. Daily or weekly maintenance will be necessary for some rugs, especially high end rugs, while other rugs will only need cleaning once a month or more. Vacuuming properly when cleaning rugs can extend the life and visual appeal of the rug, and shaking or beating other types of rugs may be a better choice than vacuuming. It is important to seek out the manufacturer's recommendations before cleaning rugs.
Many people recommend using a carpet pad to extend the life of the rug, and using such a pad can even make cleaning rugs easier. A carpet pad is a cushioned piece of material that is placed underneath the rug to keep it from shifting around or making contact with abrasive surfaces beneath the rug. This pad will extend the life of the carpet and help prevent excess wear. It will also keep the carpet in place when it is being vacuumed, making the vacuuming process easier and more efficient.
Most people use vacuums when cleaning rugs, but this is not always the best choice. Smaller rugs can be taken outside and shaken out to remove dust and other particles, and larger rugs can be hung over a line and beaten with a broad tool to loosen dirt and grime. Vacuuming is, of course, a much easier option, though one should be careful to do so properly. On shag carpets or carpets with longer fibers, the vacuum's brush should be adjusted so it is high off the fibers, vibrating them instead of brushing deep within them. This will prevent damage to the vacuum, and it will prevent the brush from pulling up excess carpet fibers.
High traffic areas and stains are perhaps the two most common reasons for cleaning rugs. The rugs, if possible, should be rotated often to ensure the rug wears evenly, rather than having one high traffic area and another area that looks brand new. When vacuuming a rug with high traffic areas, be sure to vacuum in both directions to ensure the carpet fibers do not get beat down even further. When treating stains on a carpet with chemicals or cleaners, be sure to test the chemical treatment on a spare piece of rug or on a seldom-seen section of the rug. This will prevent damage to the rug's threads should the chemical be too abrasive.
